McDonald's Regional PR Agency in Dubai has refuted allegations that a restaurant branch in Saudi Arabia uses a washing machine to wash vegetables. Digital Journal reported that a YouTube video depicted this rather odd practice, sourcing the story from Emirates 247.

The video in question showed vegetables being crammed into a washing machine, with no indication if the machine was also used for laundry. McDonald's has responded with a strong admonition that the video, shown here, was a fake.

A statement sent to Digital Journal states: "McDonald’s would like to point out that this video is a staged fabrication and in no way represents the manner in which lettuce is handled in our restaurants. McDonald’s KSA sources its lettuce from reputable KSA-based supplier Del Monte. The lettuce is washed, sanitized, and packed in the supplier’s purpose-built facility, then delivered to our restaurants daily in sealed, ready to use bags, and therefore requires no washing or drying in our kitchens whatsoever.

McDonald’s guarantees high standards in all its processes. Our food preparation procedures ensure the safety and quality of our products and guarantee our high standards are not compromised. We undergo regular monitoring by local authorities and enforce stringent food safety standards and regulations that are in line with their requirements.

McDonald’s prides itself on its transparency. With our Open Door Program, we open our doors and welcome you to tour our kitchen to take a close look at the quality standards of our products and procedures. This is an open invitation for those interested in learning more about our kitchen at any point in time."

Although the Saudi Arabian branch implicated in the video was not disclosed when the video first circulated, McDonald's has now confirmed to that the branch is Al Madina Branch 2., KSA, and they have refuted the video footage.